The former Spice Girl reigns over Japan with jeans, handbags
and beauty clinics

By Chris Betros

If Britain really wants to increase its exports to Japan,
it should send Victoria Beckham out here more often. The 30-year-old
wife of soccer superstar David Beckham showed she has lost
none of her appeal during a three-day visit last month during
which she appeared at promotional events for her latest line
of merchandise.

Tanned and in terrific shape, Beckham didn't look five
months pregnant with her third child. "We hope to have
enough children to start a soccer team," she joked
upon her arrival at Narita airport from China, where she attended
Shanghai Fashion Week. Then it was into a hectic schedule
of fashion shows, talk shows in department stores and glittering
receptions for Rock and Republic jeans, Samantha Thavasa (bags,
jewelry and other accessories) and beauty-clinic operator
TBC.

Beckham's newest project is her line of jeans for Rock
and Republic, which is being sold exclusively at Mitsukoshi
department stores. "I wear jeans all the time, so I
wanted to create my own line," said the former Spice
Girl, clad in maternity jeans. "I wanted something
with a different wash, a jean that would have the Wonder Bra
effect on your bottom. It's low at the front. The legs
are fitted and skinny and very long. They flare at the bottom,
so they look great with high heels. These are flattering,
sexy jeans for women with confidence, personality and who
feel good about what they are wearing."

Beckham said she chose Japan for the launch of her jeans because
"I like the way Japanese women wear denim. Japan is
the most fashionable place I have been to."

As part of the line, Beckham is also marketing knickers and
T-shirts with messages such as Royal Pain in the Ass, Victoria
Rocks Tokyo and Becks Is My Boy. "Everytime I work
on a new line, I ask David his opinion as a man. Does it make
my bum or boobs look sexy?"

Beckham said she is always overwhelmed at the reception she
and her husband get in Japan. "David is obviously very
popular with women out here," she said. Popular is
an understatement. Until the South Korean boom eclipsed them
this year, the Beckhams were by far the most popular celebrities
in Japan. In the summer of 2003, when they made a joint trip
to Japan, news media helicopters tracked their limousine all
the way in from Narita to the Grand Hyatt in Roppongi Hills,
where they stayed. For the past year, they have appeared in
several TV commercials, most notably one for TBC, in which
they were shown cuddling up after a playful pillow fight.
Their contracts with TBC, Meiji Seika chocolate company and
other sponsors are said to be worth ¥500 million each.

Photo credit: Chris Betros

the scene

Tokyo International Film Festival

Screen stars from around the world descend on Bunkamura and
Roppongi Hills